Maxar Technologies
Maxar Technologies is a space technology company that specializes in Earth observation satellites, geospatial analytics, and satellite manufacturing.
Quick Facts
About Maxar Technologies
Maxar Technologies is a space technology company that specializes in Earth observation satellites, geospatial analytics, and satellite manufacturing. Headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Maxar operates a constellation of high-resolution imaging satellites and provides geospatial intelligence to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Maxar was taken private in 2023 through acquisition by Advent International for approximately $6.4 billion after years as a publicly traded company. The company employs approximately 4,500 people across facilities in Colorado, California, and internationally. Maxar combines satellite manufacturing heritage with advanced Earth observation capabilities.
History and Milestones
Maxar's heritage traces to multiple pioneering space companies. DigitalGlobe, founded in 1992, launched the first commercial high-resolution imaging satellite (IKONOS) in 1999. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) became a leader in space robotics and satellite systems. These companies merged to form Maxar Technologies in 2017.
DigitalGlobe's satellite constellation set industry standards for commercial Earth observation. WorldView-1 (2007), WorldView-2 (2009), and WorldView-3 (2014) provided increasingly capable imaging platforms. The company's geospatial analysis served both government intelligence and commercial applications.
Maxar's robotics heritage includes developing the Canadarm for the Space Shuttle and Canadarm2 for the International Space Station. The company also builds satellite buses and components for communications and Earth observation satellites.
Products and Services
Maxar operates a constellation of high-resolution Earth observation satellites including WorldView-3 (capable of 31-centimeter resolution) and WorldView Legion (next-generation satellites launched 2024). These satellites provide the highest resolution commercially available imagery.
The company's geospatial intelligence services provide analysis, mapping, and information products derived from satellite imagery. Government customers rely on Maxar for intelligence, mapping, and situational awareness applications.
Maxar Space Infrastructure builds satellites and components including robotic systems, satellite buses, and payloads. The company manufactures geostationary communication satellites and provides in-orbit services and technologies.
Technology and Capabilities
Maxar operates some of the world's most advanced commercial imaging satellites. WorldView-3 provides 31-cm panchromatic and 1.24-m multispectral resolution with shortwave infrared bands enabling material identification. WorldView Legion satellites expand this capability with increased revisit frequency.
The company's geospatial platform combines imagery, analytics, and artificial intelligence to extract actionable information. Products include 3D terrain models, feature extraction, and change detection services.
Maxar's space robotics expertise includes robotic arms for space stations and satellite servicing technologies. The company develops in-space assembly and servicing capabilities for future space infrastructure.
Business and Financial Overview
As a private company since 2023, Maxar does not disclose detailed financial information. Prior to privatization, annual revenue exceeded $1.7 billion, with Earth Intelligence representing approximately 60% and Space Infrastructure 40%.
Major customers include the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (EnhancedView contract), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and allied government agencies. Commercial customers span multiple industries requiring high-resolution geospatial data.
Under Advent International ownership, Maxar focuses on operational execution and technology investment while operating outside public market pressures. The company continues serving existing contracts while pursuing new opportunities.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Maxar launched WorldView Legion satellites, significantly expanding high-resolution imaging capacity and revisit frequency. These next-generation satellites position the company to meet growing government and commercial demand.
The company continued executing major government contracts while expanding commercial applications of its imagery and analytics. Maxar also advanced space infrastructure programs and robotics technology development.
Under private ownership, Maxar has invested in technology modernization and operational efficiency. The company explores new capabilities in satellite servicing and in-space assembly.
Market Position
Maxar is the leading provider of high-resolution commercial satellite imagery, with its WorldView constellation providing capabilities unmatched by competitors. Government customers rely on Maxar for the most detailed commercially available satellite imagery.
Key competitors include Planet Labs (medium resolution, daily coverage), BlackSky (high resolution, lower capacity), and emerging international providers. Maxar's resolution advantage is most significant for government intelligence and defense applications.
Strategic priorities include WorldView Legion constellation deployment, maintaining government customer relationships, growing commercial applications, and advancing space robotics and servicing technologies.
Dan Jablonsky (CEO)
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Data Accuracy Notice: Information about Maxar Technologies is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.